University of Richmond Athletics
Football Hosts Sidelines With The Spiders Event For Faculty
10/19/2022 | Football
Richmond, Va.—The University of Richmond football program hosted select UR faculty members at last Saturday's home victory over #16/17 Villanova, continuing the tradition of thanking faculty members for their support of Spider student-athletes.
Head coach Russ Huesman and staff welcomed faculty members and their families to Robins Stadium to show appreciation and showcase a small glimpse of the Richmond football student-athlete game day experience. The faculty members were allowed field level during pregame workouts and were recognized on the video board and on the field for their hard work and dedication.
"Letting professors see exactly what our players do on game day gives them first-hand experience into how hard our student-athletes work on and off the field," said Spiders defensive coordinator Justin Wood. "Our academic support staff and professors do an excellent job in supporting our players. We are extremely grateful for the support and many hours they put in to help our players succeed in the classroom!"
Through the initiative launched by the University of Richmond athletics department, teams invite faculty and staff members to various athletics events throughout the year. These events allow student-athletes and coaches to thank faculty and staff for their support and provide members of the campus community with an opportunity to see the Richmond student-athlete experience first-hand.
As a professor with many student-athletes, it was helpful to get a glimpse of their lives outside the classroom," said Dr. Christine Mowery. "And as a bonus, I was fortunate to see my student, Aaron Banks, after the game and talk to him and his family!"
Among the faculty that were able to attend the game included Kevin Harding (Guitarist and Teacher of Music), Dr. Erik Nielsen (Professor of Liberal Arts), Dr. Christine Mowery (Sociology & Anthropology), Dr. Ravynn Stringfield (Rhetoric & Communication Studies), Bill Bergman (Marketing) and Dr. Emory "Ted" F. Bunn (Physics).
"Our Sidelines program provides a wonderful opportunity for faculty and student-athletes to connect in a meaningful manner outside the classroom. These connections simply elevate learning when everyone re-enters the classroom on Monday morning," said Bruce Matthews, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support & Student Services.
